New Brunswick Launches Two Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program Pathways for Permanent Residency
Starting March 5, 2025, eligible newcomers can now apply through two updated and enhanced pathways under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP). These pathways are designed to provide more opportunities for skilled workers to gain permanent residency in the province, and both are aligned with the Express Entry system.
The two immigration pathways currently accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are:
- Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- New Brunswick Interests Pathway
However, it’s important to note that certain occupations are excluded from eligibility for invitations under these pathways.
This marks the first intake for these pathways in 2025, following significant changes to the NBPNP immigration streams. These updates come in response to a significant reduction in New Brunswick’s provincial nomination allocation, which has impacted how the program is run this year.
Changes to Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
The NBPNP has made key updates to the eligibility conditions for both pathways, which include:
- Lowering the Minimum Age Requirement: Candidates can now apply starting at the age of 19 (down from the previous age of 22).
- Enhanced Residency and Work Experience Conditions: For the Employment in New Brunswick pathway, candidates are now required to have at least 12 consecutive months of full-time work experience with a New Brunswick employer.
These changes, alongside the province’s reduced allocation, aim to ensure that the selected candidates are the best fit for New Brunswick’s labour market needs.
Important Details on the Intake Process
It’s crucial for applicants to understand that the NBPNP will not process EOIs on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, the program will evaluate all submissions carefully, ensuring only the most qualified candidates receive an invitation for nomination.
New Brunswick has been allocated a total of 2,750 immigrant nominations for 2025. Of these, 1,500 nominations will be available under the NBPNP, while 1,250 will be allocated to the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Eligibility Criteria for the Two Pathways
Both the Employment in New Brunswick and New Brunswick Interests pathways have specific eligibility requirements. Candidates must meet these criteria to be considered for an invitation for provincial nomination.
Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
To be eligible for this pathway, applicants must meet the following key conditions:
- Have been residing in New Brunswick for the last 12 consecutive months and have been working full-time for a New Brunswick employer.
- Demonstrate proficiency in either English or French at CLB/NCLC 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark).
- Meet the federal minimum proof of funds requirement (if applicable).
- Be between the ages of 19 and 55.
- Have a valid Express Entry profile.
- Show an intention to live and work permanently in New Brunswick.
New Brunswick Interests Pathway
To apply under this pathway, candidates need to fulfill the following:
- Have received a letter of interest from ImmigrationNB in their federal Express Entry profile.
- Must have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience within the past 10 years.
- Prove language proficiency at CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities.
- Meet the federal minimum proof of funds requirement.
- Be between the ages of 19 and 55.
- Have a valid Express Entry profile.
Common Eligibility Criteria for Both Pathways
In addition to the unique conditions for each pathway, candidates must also meet the following general criteria:
- Canadian high-school diploma or its equivalent.
- Have employment experience in a position classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Score at least 67 points on the NBPNP Express Entry selection grid.
While meeting these criteria is a necessary step to receiving an invitation, fulfilling all requirements does not guarantee nomination for permanent residency.
Occupations Excluded from Eligibility
As part of the updated NBPNP, certain occupations are excluded from receiving provincial nominations. The following jobs will not be considered for selection under the new pathways:
| Job Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Accounting technicians and bookkeepers | 12200 |
| Administrative assistants | 13110 |
| Bakers | 63202 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Food service supervisors | 62020 |
| Restaurant and food service managers | 60030 |
| Retail and wholesale trade managers | 60020 |
| Retail sales supervisors | 62010 |
Applicants in these fields are not eligible for consideration for provincial nomination under the new pathways, regardless of whether they meet other criteria.
What This Means for Newcomers to New Brunswick
These updates to the NBPNP reflect New Brunswick’s ongoing effort to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the province’s growing economy. The reduction in nomination allocations for 2025 also highlights the importance of ensuring that applications are well-prepared and submitted in accordance with the updated requirements.
Those interested in applying under either of the two pathways should carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure that they meet all necessary conditions before submitting their Expressions of Interest. The changes aim to streamline the process, but competition for spots may remain intense due to the limited number of nominations available this year.
Conclusion
The opening of the NBPNP’s two enhanced immigration pathways provides a new opportunity for skilled workers to become permanent residents of New Brunswick. With changes to age requirements, work experience, and exclusions for certain occupations, applicants must stay informed and submit well-prepared applications to improve their chances of being nominated.
Those interested in applying should act quickly, as these pathways are part of a competitive system that is not based on first-come, first-served selection. For those who meet the eligibility criteria, this could be the perfect opportunity to secure a future in Canada’s beautiful and welcoming New Brunswick province.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
